Just did a search, but could not find any start to finish write ups on how to replace a starter on a Rubicon. Basically, I will guess it goes something like this...
- Disconnect battery
- Disconnect wiring from starter
- Unbolt and remove old starter / solenoid
- Mount and bolt new starter / solenoid
- Connect wiring
- Reconnect battery

Hopefully I am not biting off more than I can chew. Since I cannot find a write-up, I assume that is because it is very straight forward? The hardest part looks like it will be getting my big hands in there to twist the bolts .

that about sums it up ive never had the pleasure of doing it on a jeep but ive replaced several starters on a bunch of old ford, chevy and dodge's i would imagine with as much room as there is all around the motor it shouldnt be too much of a hassle usually about the time it takes to drink a couple beers and your done happy wrenching

Thanks, that was an easy job. Removing the + cable was a bit tricky due to some rust on the bolt and negotiating the exhaust pipe and oil pan with my socket. Some penetrating fluid would have helped, but no big deal in the long run, just wasted a few minutes extra on that. Installing the new one took a matter of minutes and my TJ started right up .

...though I wouldn't bother disconnecting the battery for this particular job.

There happens fo be a positive cable that connects the battery to the starter. It is hot at all times. If you happen to touch your wrench to ground while disconnecting said cable, I suspect you that you will wish that you had disconnected the battery.

A fellow that I used to know received third degree burns around his wrist and required surgery when his metal watchband created a ground path between the starter solenoid terminal and the engine block while doing this very job.

Just bought an 88 Jeep Wrangler and am trying to replace the starter. I have everything disconnected but am not sure about which bolts to remove.

There are 2 on the bottom of the starter, which I think go to a bracket above it and hold it in place. However, every pic I've seen shows the bolts being removed horizontally from the front/side of the transmission. I see those bolts but they don't look like they connect to the starter at all. They look like transmission case bolts and they are pretty big...

Any suggestions? I don't wanna do more than I have to, lol, it's pretty rusty underneath there

Just bought an 88 Jeep Wrangler and am trying to replace the starter. I have everything disconnected but am not sure about which bolts to remove.

There are 2 on the bottom of the starter, which I think go to a bracket above it and hold it in place. However, every pic I've seen shows the bolts being removed horizontally from the front/side of the transmission. I see those bolts but they don't look like they connect to the starter at all. They look like transmission case bolts and they are pretty big...

Any suggestions? I don't wanna do more than I have to, lol, it's pretty rusty underneath there

Well I do consider myself half retarded.
I found that the bolts were a little difficult to get and since I have a leak everything is covered in crap down there.
I don't disagree with the fact that it's possible to do in ten minutes, next time I'll just have you do it and I'll supply the beer

There happens fo be a positive cable that connects the battery to the starter. It is hot at all times. If you happen to touch your wrench to ground while disconnecting said cable, I suspect you that you will wish that you had disconnected the battery.

A fellow that I used to know received third degree burns around his wrist and required surgery when his metal watchband created a ground path between the starter solenoid terminal and the engine block while doing this very job.

This is one of the reasons why no matter what repairs you are doing you should always remove all jewelry before working on vehicles, I have heard this same thing happening with peoples wedding bands. Also getting a piece of Jewelery stuck on something can cause all sorts of problems, my uncle nearly lost his finger working on a boat because his wedding band got hooked on something and the boat was in motion.